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Imitation of Life

1959
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Chorus girls, Adolescence, Theater, Spirituals (Songs), Infatuation, Widows, Ambition, Seduction, New York City--Broadway, Housekeepers

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Cast: Lana Turner, John Gavin, Sandra Dee
Director: Douglas Sirk
Writer: Eleanore Griffin, Allan Scott
Cinematographer: Russell Metty
Editor: Milton Carruth
Production Designers: Alexander Golitzen, Richard H. Riedel
Production Company: Universal-International Pictures Co., Inc.

Based on the 1933 Fannie Hurst novel and its first film adaptation in 1934, IMITATION OF LIFE (1959) represents director Douglas Sirk’s mastery as the “King of Hollywood melodrama.”  In her most celebrated role, Juanita Moore plays a single mother with a light-skinned daughter who wishes to pass as white. Her onscreen friend, Lana Turner, also suffers troubled times with her daughter… Learn more at the AFI Catalog

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